“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above.”
Colossians 3:1a
Have you heard the line, “Just follow your heart”? Initially, it sounds good. But what about a Facebook post that says, “We don’t need religion to be moral. In our hearts we know what’s right.” Is that always true? The Bible tells us plainly that our hearts are desperately wicked above all things and beyond cure (see Jeremiah 17:9). We begin to understand that the heart is not reliable for leading us.
Assume two people come upon a man ready to jump off a bridge to end his life. One person’s heart says he should be allowed to, since his heart is telling him to. “Let him jump!” he says. But the other’s heart says it’s wrong, and he’ll do anything to stop him. How are those differences resolved if they both are following their hearts?
Paul addresses the reality of our sinful hearts, telling us to set them on heavenly things. That directive is needed because every human naturally veers away from “things above.” Put Jesus Christ on the throne of your heart. “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).
Assume two people come upon a man ready to jump off a bridge to end his life. One person’s heart says he should be allowed to, since his heart is telling him to. “Let him jump!” he says. But the other’s heart says it’s wrong, and he’ll do anything to stop him. How are those differences resolved if they both are following their hearts?
Paul addresses the reality of our sinful hearts, telling us to set them on heavenly things. That directive is needed because every human naturally veers away from “things above.” Put Jesus Christ on the throne of your heart. “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).
Scripture Focus
Colossians 3:1-17
Insight
Paul wrote, “Set your hearts.” On what is your heart set? What would it mean for you to “love God with all your heart”?
Bible In A Year
- 1 Chronicles 1
- Proverbs 24
- Revelation 1-2